Riad Soleil d'Orient

This Riad is a delightful place to stay. It is not in the old part of the town and, from the outside, looks quite ordinary. It is approached down a narrow alley, through a small traditional doorway, and suddenly you are inside an oasis of tranquilly and charm. There are trees in the large, cool, central courtyard which is beautifully decorated. The rooms are on the first and second floors and are also delightfully decorated. Because there were no suitable restaurants nearby we decided to eat in the Riad. It was a good choice. The food was excellent and they easily coped with the fact that half our party were vegetarian and one gluten intolerant. It is a delightful place to stay.

This review is only the impression of the place, since we chose not to stay there, even though we prepaid, and requested a refund which was totally ignored. The neighborhood is awful, we felt when we arrived that it was nor safe. The "suite" which we booked was really just a room with a bed with a mattress which sagged as we sat on it to test it. The bathroom was not clean. the reception was not welcoming. We arrived with a guide, and even though we speak French, we were ignored while the woman chose to speak Arabic to our guide. In all our travels , we had never been treated as non existed.

If this Riad were in France, people would be coming to it just for the evening meal. Other guests had already said to us “Just wait until you taste the cooking”. Our anticipation increased when we read (roughly translated) “Dinner available by reservation only: menu made with fresh ingredients bought from the market on the day”. This is normally a very good sign; we were not disappointed. There must be a chef of genius in the kitchen; no choice, just (just!) starter, main course and dessert representing the fusion of the best of French cuisine with the best & freshest of Moroccan ingredients. Lonely Planet guidebooks are rather dismissive of El Jadida suggesting doing the sights in an hour or two and the moving on. We combined the sights with an overnight stay at Riad Soleil d’Orient and benefitted not just from delicious French cuisine but also from the care and thoughtfulness with which Mme Laurence has carried out her vision for the riad: the bright courtyard with a fountain & a fig tree, the upstairs dining room with an open log fire, the 1st floor sitting room with books, chess set, dominos, playing cards, CDs & player. Our (marble floored) room showed the same care: heaters in case the Atlantic winds blew at the town, a large shower with plentiful (solar powered) hot water and the generous provision of not merely shower gel and shampoo but also conditioner, cleanser & cotton wool pads and body lotion. Special mention must be made of the friendly and helpful staff; in particular Abdou who kindly walked us to the Portuguese fort & port (but, yes, the Riad provides a handy map) and later, in a smart uniform, served the delicious dinner, and finally helped us with our bags the next morning. Incidentally Riad Soleil d’Orient is the first riad we have found where you can actually drive up to the entrance. El Jadida was not - at least when we visited it - a prepossessing town, but it has the potential to develop into a resort. Riad Soleil d’Orient is ahead of the curve.

The Riad is a true oasis in the middle of the El Jadida medina. The rooms are spacious, very clean, and comfortable, with air conditioning and fast and reliable wi-fi access. Breakfast is plentiful and delicious, with freshly baked m'smen, a typical Moroccan bread. I had dinner twice, and the food was delicious. One of the times, they served me a lamb tagine which was divine. All the staff is friendly and helpful. The owners, a very affable couple, are always attentive to guests' needs without being a nuisance. The interior courtyard, with a fig tree, two palm trees, and a small fountain in the middle, has several tables and is a great place, sheltered from the heat and wind, to sit and work. It is also where breakfast and dinner are served. A terrace equipped with sun loungers makes it possible to sunbathe in a calm and relaxing atmosphere. I loved it.

Stayed for a couple nights after a three week non stop travel through Morocco. Was exactly what I needed to relax. Riad was beautiful, room was excellent and service and meals were top notch. The beach, Portugeuse city and cistern are a ten minute walk. The owner happened to be there and arranged a private vehicle to pick me up to take me to Casablanca on my last day. Can’t say enough. Would definitely recommend. Will definitely come back. Merci beaucoup!